What in the He** is wrong with Tivos service transfers!!!!

[Morpheus101]

I bought a TiVo through Costco. If Costco or Sam’s Club carries an electronic product that I’m in the market for, then they are the ones I buy from. It all revolves around there warrantee. If at any time you’re unsatisfied or the product becomes defective they will refund your money. Tivo's are sold ONLINE only in my area. So, if your TiVo goes bad, you have to order another online and return the defective to the store for a refund. This is the way Costco works.

Here’s my complaint with TiVo:

I have two TiVo’s (both with lifetime). The first TiVo I had for a couple of months and it died. I ordered a new one through Costco and returned the defective one. I called TiVo support and within ten minutes they had the new numbers transferred and I was on my way. This was great service!

Ok, now my second 2 year old TiVo died. I ordered a new one through Costco and returned my old one for a refund, No fuss No muss! Costco is GREAT!

Now I call TiVo to transfer the service numbers. First the support person tells me that the service is lifetime on the original device and she cannot transfer the service number to a new device. I ask to talk to a supervisor and after 10 minutes on hold the same support person comes back on and she can’t transfer the service without me faxing them a copy of the warrantee exchange from Costco. I explained to her that what she is requesting is impossible. However I do have a sales receipt, but that wasn’t good enough, and on top of that the whole request of any documentation is unreasonable.

I just can’t believe TiVo sells to a major discount house and has no idea how the warrantee return policy works.

This whole thing is absolutely ridicules. I asked her; so what does TiVo see as a lifetime of the device. She tells me 8-10 years. No brainer, the system is only two years old and died (premature end of life), and I can’t figure out why we are even having this problem.

In the end she did transfer the service, and I never got to speak with a supervisor. She did say that a note was included in my account instructing the next support person to NOT transfer service unless I could fax them a copy of a warrantee return invoice. Costo does not give anyone anything like this. She also told me that there is a $199 charge for product transfer. I told her that it sounds like TiVo is doing a money grab in a tight economy, and she was quick to refute that notion.

I don’t see what the problem is in transferring service from one like box to another. I can see them not transferring service from a series 2 to a series 3, or a series 1 to a series 2. If you have a dead series 2 and purchase a new series 2, get one from eBay, Costco warrantee exchange, or get one from a friend. I don’t see what the problem is, as long as your account stays the same, and it is the same model box.

I far as I know products are at their end of life when the company does not manufacture them anymore and does not provide support. If someone has a dead series 1 with lifetime there should be no problem with them getting a good used series 1 to replace it, and TiVo should be happy to transfer service.

Maybe what TiVo should do is tie the lifetime service to the subscriber and not the device.

Is it possible that this support person does not know what she is talking about? Should I have hung up and called back and talked to someone else?

[rainwater]

Maybe what TiVo should do is tie the lifetime service to the subscriber and not the device.

Why would they do this? So consumers could get unlimited transfers to new devices for no charge? TiVo doesn't even have to transfer lifetime with a fee if the box is out of warranty but they still do in many cases. In my opinion TiVo goes above and beyond and many people have come to expect that they deserve free lifetime transfers. I really don't see anything TiVo did wrong in this case. Since Costco was the one you did your warantee exchange with, of course they would want some type of proof. Otherwise, they could just be giving you free lifetime transfers for no reason.

[lessd]

I bought a TiVo through Costco. If Costco or Sam’s Club carries an electronic product that I’m in the market for, then they are the ones I buy from. It all revolves around there warrantee. If at any time you’re unsatisfied or the product becomes defective they will refund your money. Tivo's are sold ONLINE only in my area. So, if your TiVo goes bad, you have to order another online and return the defective to the store for a refund. This is the way Costco works.

Here’s my complaint with TiVo:

I have two TiVo’s (both with lifetime). The first TiVo I had for a couple of months and it died. I ordered a new one through Costco and returned the defective one. I called TiVo support and within ten minutes they had the new numbers transferred and I was on my way. This was great service!

Ok, now my second 2 year old TiVo died. I ordered a new one through Costco and returned my old one for a refund, No fuss No muss! Costco is GREAT!

Now I call TiVo to transfer the service numbers. First the support person tells me that the service is lifetime on the original device and she cannot transfer the service number to a new device. I ask to talk to a supervisor and after 10 minutes on hold the same support person comes back on and she can’t transfer the service without me faxing them a copy of the warrantee exchange from Costco. I explained to her that what she is requesting is impossible. However I do have a sales receipt, but that wasn’t good enough, and on top of that the whole request of any documentation is unreasonable.

I just can’t believe TiVo sells to a major discount house and has no idea how the warrantee return policy works.

This whole thing is absolutely ridicules. I asked her; so what does TiVo see as a lifetime of the device. She tells me 8-10 years. No brainer, the system is only two years old and died (premature end of life), and I can’t figure out why we are even having this problem.

In the end she did transfer the service, and I never got to speak with a supervisor. She did say that a note was included in my account instructing the next support person to NOT transfer service unless I could fax them a copy of a warrantee return invoice. Costo does not give anyone anything like this. She also told me that there is a $199 charge for product transfer. I told her that it sounds like TiVo is doing a money grab in a tight economy, and she was quick to refute that notion.

I don’t see what the problem is in transferring service from one like box to another. I can see them not transferring service from a series 2 to a series 3, or a series 1 to a series 2. If you have a dead series 2 and purchase a new series 2, get one from eBay, Costco warrantee exchange, or get one from a friend. I don’t see what the problem is, as long as your account stays the same, and it is the same model box.

I far as I know products are at their end of life when the company does not manufacture them anymore and does not provide support. If someone has a dead series 1 with lifetime there should be no problem with them getting a good used series 1 to replace it, and TiVo should be happy to transfer service.

Maybe what TiVo should do is tie the lifetime service to the subscriber and not the device.

Is it possible that this support person does not know what she is talking about? Should I have hung up and called back and talked to someone else?

If you read TiVos T&C you would see that only a pre purchased 3rd pty warranties will get free lifetime service xfer (for the length of that warranty), the fact that Costco offers something other than a warranty, just a unit replacement, is not TiVo problem. TiVo went through a court case back in the late 90s over the word Lifetime and it was settled then that it's the Lifetime of the product, and now TiVo added a twist that when TiVo itself does an exchange on a TiVo and the Lifetime Service is over 3 years old TiVo will charge you $199 extra to xfer that lifetime. In your case with Costco, TiVo is out of the loop and could forced to move the lifetime forever to any TiVo you said was a Costco replacement, even if it was just a new TiVo you purchased. TiVo is not responsible to honer Costco's way of doing business. for old stuff (in this case TiVo) that Costco is willing to replace for free forever.

[moonscape]

I'm increasingly puzzled when someone complains that Tivo failed to transfer lifetime service from an out-of-warranty box.

I have 5 tivos split between 2 coasts and each has lifetime. When I purchase lifetime, every time I know it's a calculated risk. I'm gambling that the Tivo will keep chugging, and if it stops that it'll be the HD or power supply that're easily replaceable so to preserve the lifetimed box. The odds are massively stacked in my favor so it's the easiest gamble going.

But if that nearly miniscule gamble wasn't worth it to me, then I'd go on a service plan vs purchasing lifetime.

If I buy an extended warranty on something (which I never do except for notebook computers), I'm gambling that the item will need service/repair. At the end of the warranty, if it hasn't, I certainly don't go and ask for my money back.

We consumers can't have it both ways.

[Morpheus101]

TiVo has to have had some kind of agreement with Costco on returns and the way Warrantee's are handled. Costco is not eating these returns; they have to be going back to TiVo for repairs. Costco has no way of repairing anything other than just doing a flat exchange of the product. I'm sure there is some sort of agreement that was reached between Costco and TiVo before TiVo allowed Costco to sell their product. I don’t think Costco would allow their customers to be taken advantage of. I’m sure if the lifetime subscription service was any different there would be something posted somewhere. Costco warrantees the hardware above and beyond the manufactures warrantee. It’s called their extended warrantee.

Is it too much to ask that if someone purchases a lifetime subscription to get what they paid for? I never bought a lifetime warrantee on my TiVo (although I bought it through Costco). I bought the TiVo as one product, and then went to TiVo and purchased a separate product (lifetime TiVo service). I could have very well have used the TiVo without the lifetime service.

We all expect our TiVo’s to die every once in awhile. I would think that TiVo would be more than happy to spend the 5 minutes to transfer a service number from a customer they never have to deal with, other than to transfer a subscription when their TiVo dies. I don’t expect free upgrades.

TiVo needs to be innovative on getting something out to the public that makes their customers want to upgrade. Why should companies be allowed to just sit around and wait for hardware to die so they can charge. Why doesn’t TiVo come out with something new that just makes ever owner of a TiVo want to run out and upgrade.

Look at Apple; their new 3G IPhone enticed hundreds of thousands if not millions of current 2G users to dump their perfectly capable IPhone 2G for 3G and at enormous cost across the board.
Look at Microsoft; Windows 7 is going to be huge for Microsoft. How many millions are going to dump their XP and Vista OS for the new Windows 7, just because it’s new and innovative?

Neither one of these companies is just waiting around for hardware to die so they can sell more. They are being innovative to give users a reason, or at least an excuse to pay for an upgrade.

[innocentfreak]

Hmm I never thought this would be an issue especially considering some extended warranties these days don't even swap the products out and just give you a gift card for the price of the unit. Now what happens if the store no longer carries Tivos? Are you out lifetime since it won't show you did an extended warranty exchange since all you have is a giftcard and you had to buy the Tivo somewhere else?

[Morpheus101]

I'm increasingly puzzled when someone complains that Tivo failed to transfer lifetime service from an out-of-warranty box.

I have 5 tivos split between 2 coasts and each has lifetime. When I purchase lifetime, every time I know it's a calculated risk. I'm gambling that the Tivo will keep chugging, and if it stops that it'll be the HD or power supply that're easily replaceable so to preserve the lifetimed box. The odds are massively stacked in my favor so it's the easiest gamble going.

But if that nearly miniscule gamble wasn't worth it to me, then I'd go on a service plan vs purchasing lifetime.

If I buy an extended warranty on something (which I never do except for notebook computers), I'm gambling that the item will need service/repair. At the end of the warranty, if it hasn't, I certainly don't go and ask for my money back.

We consumers can't have it both ways.

My TiVo is 14 Months old and is still under Warrantee. I bought the TiVo from Costco because of the fact that there is an extended Warrantee, and I deal directly with them. I'm sure that Costco gets some sort of break from TiVo for their special handling of either returned or defective TiVo's.

It's like if I have a choice of using cash, check, or credit card for these types of purchases. I'll choose Credit Card or Costco every time for the simple fact that there is an extended guarantee of options available to me just because I used that Credit Card or store. These options would usually go above and beyond what the dealer or manufacture has available.

Heaven forbid; but let's say TiVo was one of these miss-managed companies that went out of business when everything finically fell apart. I bought from Costco so all I do is return my box. I don’t get my subscription service dollars back but I go recoup the dollars I spent on the actual TiVo, where as if I bought directly from TiVo, or any other outlet (Best Buy), I’d be out. These types of situations would be few and far between because these discount houses sell very few subscription based products. One other I can think of is GPS units, and I’m sure there are a few more.

[Morpheus101]

Hmm I never thought this would be an issue especially considering some extended warranties these days don't even swap the products out and just give you a gift card for the price of the unit. Now what happens if the store no longer carries Tivos? Are you out lifetime since it won't show you did an extended warranty exchange since all you have is a giftcard and you had to buy the Tivo somewhere else?

Once they run out (hopefully not). You would get a full refund and purchase from another outlet, hopefully Sam’s Club :)

Hopefully TiVo would have the compassion to reinstate the Lifetime. Bottom line should be: You purchased the Lifetime subscription as a separate product and TiVo should look at it this way. The service number is only a way to link their service with your TiVo. They know exactly what type of box the subscription is tied to and I believe the service numbers are tied to certain models. As long as it’s a Series 2 and you are reactivating a Series 2 then what’s the problem. Yea, TiVo isn’t making any extra money. Is there anything else?

The cell phone companies are allowing us regular uses to now go in and activate our own phones. They don’t care what phone you activate because you have a set account. Just because you have activate a data phone doesn’t mean you’re going to have data service, if you didn’t subscribe to it. They could care less what phone you activate or how many times.

I cannot think of more than one single reason as to why we can’t do the same thing on our TiVo account. What difference does it make if we deactivate one TiVo and activate another, as long as the service number falls into the same TiVo model? Other then the obvious.

[NYHeel]

My TiVo is 14 Months old and is still under Warrantee. I bought the TiVo from Costco because of the fact that there is an extended Warrantee, and I deal directly with them. I'm sure that Costco gets some sort of break from TiVo for their special handling of either returned or defective TiVo's.

It's like if I have a choice of using cash, check, or credit card for these types of purchases. I'll choose Credit Card or Costco every time for the simple fact that there is an extended guarantee of options available to me just because I used that Credit Card or store. These options would usually go above and beyond what the dealer or manufacture has available.

Heaven forbid; but let's say TiVo was one of these miss-managed companies that went out of business when everything finically fell apart. I bought from Costco so all I do is return my box. I don’t get my subscription service dollars back but I go recoup the dollars I spent on the actual TiVo, where as if I bought directly from TiVo, or any other outlet (Best Buy), I’d be out. These types of situations would be few and far between because these discount houses sell very few subscription based products. One other I can think of is GPS units, and I’m sure there are a few more.
It's not still under warrantee from Costco. It's covered by Costco's satisfaction guarantee policy. It's not a warrantee. Not a huge practical difference but a difference. Personally I think Tivo should have a sliding scale on cost for lifetime transfers. So say in the first year out of Warrantee the lifetime transfer is somewhere around $50-$100. After that it goes up a little per year until some point where they no longer transfer. I don't do lifetime because it takes 31 months to break even with no interest. Who knows what new product/upgrade is going to come out in 3 years. If I'm just going to break even there's no reason for me to fork over $399 plus the purchase price.

[caddyroger]

You are not getting it TiVo's are only guaranteed for only one year by tivo period. It a Costco warranty that lets you return it. Costco would have to pay for the lifetime on the TiVo. You would have to go to Costco about that not TiVo.
I have a 5 year extended warranty on my Toshiba tv. The warranty is by Ge not Toshiba. Thats means Toshiba after 1 year does not have to pay for any thing that goes wrong with the tv.

[MickeS]

It's not still under warrantee from Costco. It's covered by Costco's satisfaction guarantee policy. It's not a warrantee. Not a huge practical difference but a difference.

It actually IS a huge practical difference. It's not a warranty and TiVo has nothing to do with it.

The OP has completely misunderstood the whole situation from beginning to end. Just another in a long line of whiners who wants something for nothing.

And it's WARRANTY with a y. :p

[Morpheus101]

Why would they do this? So consumers could get unlimited transfers to new devices for no charge? TiVo doesn't even have to transfer lifetime with a fee if the box is out of warranty but they still do in many cases. In my opinion TiVo goes above and beyond and many people have come to expect that they deserve free lifetime transfers. I really don't see anything TiVo did wrong in this case. Since Costco was the one you did your warantee exchange with, of course they would want some type of proof. Otherwise, they could just be giving you free lifetime transfers for no reason.

Wait a second, think about it. TiVo tracks all their service numbers. If ANYONE has activated a service number, they know. I'm removing ONE activated service number from MY account that can never be used again, unless they repair the box and resell it, and then I'm activating a brand NEW service nunmber on my account. Nothing new has been added except a service number. What's the problem?

If they want to charge me, say, $7 for the transfer service then I'd be willing to do that. TiVo has been around for a long time and why haven't they done this?

[MickeS]

Wait a second, think about it. TiVo tracks all their service numbers. If ANYONE has activated a service number, they know. I'm removing ONE activated service number from MY account that can never be used again, unless they repair the box and resell it, and then I'm activating a brand NEW service nunmber on my account. Nothing new has been added except a service number. What's the problem?

If they want to charge me, say, $7 for the transfer service then I'd be willing to do that. TiVo has been around for a long time and why haven't they done this?
So you want to be able to pay lifetime ONCE and then never pay again, just keep transferring from TiVo to TiVo. Yeah, I wonder why TiVo doesn't allow that...

[caddyroger]

If TiVo did what you want Tivo would not be in bussness. They would not make any money.

[GBL]

The cell phone companies are allowing us regular uses to now go in and activate our own phones. They don’t care what phone you activate because you have a set account. Just because you have activate a data phone doesn’t mean you’re going to have data service, if you didn’t subscribe to it. They could care less what phone you activate or how many times.

I cannot think of more than one single reason as to why we can’t do the same thing on our TiVo account. What difference does it make if we deactivate one TiVo and activate another, as long as the service number falls into the same TiVo model? Other then the obvious.

Actually TiVo treats customers with recurring payment subscriptions exactly like cell phone companies do - you can replace your subscribed equipment to your hearts content.

[CrispyCritter]

Wait a second, think about it. TiVo tracks all their service numbers. If ANYONE has activated a service number, they know. I'm removing ONE activated service number from MY account that can never be used again, unless they repair the box and resell it, and then I'm activating a brand NEW service nunmber on my account. Nothing new has been added except a service number. What's the problem?

If they want to charge me, say, $7 for the transfer service then I'd be willing to do that. TiVo has been around for a long time and why haven't they done this?
Because it's a very different model of operation than the model you paid for when you bought lifetime service. If that had been what lifetime service meant, then TiVo would have charged you a lot more originally than they did. You made a deal with TiVo that service would last as long as the unit lasted. NOW you claim that deal is unfair (I don't see how) and TiVo should change it.

TiVo lifetime as it is, with the restrictions everybody agreed to when they purchased it, is still regarded as being an absolutely great deal for the consumer. TiVo regards it as a great deal for the consumer; it has really cut into their revenue (over 1/5 of all TiVo subs are lifetime subs purchased over 5 years ago - not much new revenue there!). They tried to discourage it, then they got rid of it for a while, but demand for it (and I suspect the competition from Moxi) made them bring it back.

Your demands that it be even more attractive to consumers seem ridiculous - TiVo has to make money somehow!

[Morpheus101]

It actually IS a huge practical difference. It's not a warranty and TiVo has nothing to do with it.

The OP has completely misunderstood the whole situation from beginning to end. Just another in a long line of whiners who wants something for nothing.

And it's WARRANTY with a y. :p

So, you could say; I bought my TiVo from 60 days ago from Costco and went to the TiVo site and bought a Lifetime Subscription. The unit takes a dump for whatever reason. I take it back to Costco and exchange it. Now I go back to TiVo and they have no obligation to reactivate. However we all know they would because they are not all heartless. But, they could.

All I want is business to treat its client’s with respect. Don’t call it lifetime if it’s not. A lot of people don’t read past the lifetime, especially the fine print.

Look at all this crap that Microsoft is taking from the EU; people don’t even know how to load an optional browser into their OS, they need someone to give them options because they are too lazy or inept to do it for themselves.

There is absolutely no reason why TiVo should not allow us to transfer like service subscriptions. There is just not. This is only one reason to transfer service and that is if the TiVo boxed has failed. He** we should be able to do this on the fly from our account.

I’m willing to pay if I move from a Series 2 to a Series 3, and I would expect to. Something for nothing, I don’t think so.

I was thinking of firing my auto spell checker (WARRANTEE) but I now have you!

[Morpheus101]

Because it's a very different model of operation than the model you paid for when you bought lifetime service. If that had been what lifetime service meant, then TiVo would have charged you a lot more originally than they did. You made a deal with TiVo that service would last as long as the unit lasted. NOW you claim that deal is unfair (I don't see how) and TiVo should change it.

TiVo lifetime as it is, with the restrictions everybody agreed to when they purchased it, is still regarded as being an absolutely great deal for the consumer. TiVo regards it as a great deal for the consumer; it has really cut into their revenue (over 1/5 of all TiVo subs are lifetime subs purchased over 5 years ago - not much new revenue there!). They tried to discourage it, then they got rid of it for a while, but demand for it (and I suspect the competition from Moxi) made them bring it back.

Your demands that it be even more attractive to consumers seem ridiculous - TiVo has to make money somehow!

Are you saying that TiVo is dead? All that we have to look forward to is their subscription service? This is all they are?

There are other ways for TiVo to generate new money, and by charging $199 to transfer a service from one Series 2 to another Series 2 just because a power failure took it out is just wrong! In MOST cases they would be selling a new TiVo. Not everyone buys from Costco or Sam’s.

[rainwater]

There are other ways for TiVo to generate new money, and by charging $199 to transfer a service from one Series 2 to another Series 2 just because a power failure took it out is just wrong!

Why is it wrong? If the TiVo is no longer covered by a warranty, then they do not even have to let you transfer it at all. Lifetime is the lifetime of the TiVo itself. I'm not sure why that is hard to understand.

[Morpheus101]

Why is it wrong? If the TiVo is no longer covered by a warranty, then they do not even have to let you transfer it at all. Lifetime is the lifetime of the TiVo itself. I'm not sure why that is hard to understand.

The TiVo and the Service Agreement are two separate purchases. Why should you be able to purchase a TiVo and have it for 6 years and it’s still going and then I purchase one and at three years it blows up, only to cost me $199 on top of a new TiVo to get service back? I’m talking a Series 2 to a Series 2. I guess luck of the draw. I don’t mind buying the new Series 2 but the service?

The only thing I’m hearing in any of these are; ‘because they can’, and ‘they need the money, because they don’t know how to generate new money’.

[ZeoTiVo]

TiVo has to have had some kind of agreement with Costco on returns and the way Warrantee's are handled.
I'm sure there is some sort of agreement that was reached between Costco and TiVo before TiVo allowed Costco to sell their product. I don’t think Costco would allow their customers to be taken advantage of. I’m sure if the lifetime subscription service was any different there would be something posted somewhere. Costco warrantees the hardware above and beyond the manufactures warrantee. It’s called their extended warrantee.

it sounds like you should have taken this up with costco then - if they are handling the extended warranty then they should handle the lifetime service swap along with it. Why did you not contact Costco to handle your issue?

[Morpheus101]

Why is it wrong? If the TiVo is no longer covered by a warranty, then they do not even have to let you transfer it at all. Lifetime is the lifetime of the TiVo itself. I'm not sure why that is hard to understand.

That is EXACTLY the reason i bought the hardware from COSTCO. I REALLY have LIFETIME on the HARDWARE.

Lifetime is only relivent to that piece of hardware. The TiVo could die at anytime. Your lifetime and mine could mean two very different things.

The bottom line is that the TiVo Subscription is a separate purchase and should be treated as such. Transferring service from one like box to another should be free or little charge as long as it’s from the original purchaser. They charge a credit card so if the names don’t match they pay the full price.

[Adam1115]

I think your confusion in all of this is that what you are doing is NOT a warranty exchange.

You are returning your TiVo to Costco for a refund and buying a new TiVo.

While that's nice that Costco does that, it doesn't obligate TiVo to transfer your lifetime service.

And even though it doesn't, they've done it for you anyway three times. Your response? To complain that they suck.

BTW, TiVo happily transfers service during the TiVo warranty period, as long as you go through them for the replacement.

[Morpheus101]

it sounds like you should have taken this up with Costco then - if they are handling the extended warranty then they should handle the lifetime service swap along with it. Why did you not contact Costco to handle your issue?

Ok, you tell me who. They do not do this. The only option with Costco is returning. They do NOT do support for anything. They will direct you to TiVo, and that is where I went for the service reactivation. Costco cannot do this.

If you read my OP the problem has been fixed.

Now I'm just ranting as to why I MIGHT get charged $199.00 in the future for TiVo to enter in a service number ito my account. Again, I talking a Series 2 to a Series 2.

[Morpheus101]

I think your confusion in all of this is that what you are doing is NOT a warranty exchange.

You are returning your TiVo to Costco for a refund and buying a new TiVo.

While that's nice that Costco does that, it doesn't obligate TiVo to transfer your lifetime service.

And even though it doesn't, they've done it for you anyway three times. Your response? To complain that they suck.

BTW, TiVo happily transfers service during the TiVo warranty period, as long as you go through them for the replacement.

Ok, you must have access to my account because you know exactly how many times my account has a reactivation. You are correct. The first two times nothing was mentioned of a charge. It was just done, less than 10 minutes each time and it was done, you had a happy customer. This time I was flat told that they would not be able to do this. However in the end they did and I’m grateful.

Also you might want to inform the support staff not to mention that the expected lifetime of a TiVo is between 8-10 years :)

You guys sell to Costco and when you do this I’m sure there is some sort of agreement reached as far as returns. So, what your saying is; if I return the defective TiVo to Costco or anyone else other then TiVo my service COULD be terminated. I hope TiVo has explained this all to Costco and the others. There is absolutely nothing in a disclaimer at Costco and I’ve never seen one on the TiVo site. The whole point in returning directly to Costco is shipping costs, and convince. What difference could it possibly mean to the customer where they get a functioning TiVo to replace a defective one?

Also, I’m assuming that this is not the way to treat your month to month subscribers, only the lifetimes?

BTW, SUCK was your words not mine. I never said that TiVo sucked. I love the TiVo service but the next time I need to reactivate I’ll need to weigh all my options.

BTW, it took 4 days to get my new TiVo from Costco and setup. Had I dealt directly through TiVo I would have still been waiting, at least a couple of weeks, or longer.

[MickeS]

The idea of free LT service transfers from one TiVo to another TiVo if it's exactly the same model and capacity is a good one from the POV of some consumers. I just don't see what's in it for TiVo to allow it.

[moonscape]

Bottom line of this whole thread is that you think Tivo should have a policy they don't have, and are outraged that they don't.

I have never had any confusion as to what 'lifetime' means because it's clear all over the place. It's even called 'Product Lifetime Service' - and on the website when you purchase it says 'One payment lasts the life of your DVR!

The cell phone analogy was not applicable. They are strictly monthly plans, they have no lifetime.

The lifetime model is something Tivo brought back after HUGE outcry that they got rid of it. That's all we complained about while it was gone. People actually paid up to $800 on Ebay for a lifetime gift card (average was around $500-600 if I recall) from those who had them from before Tivo pulled the plug. It was insane.

We're lucky Tivo offers lifetime at all. But it sounds like monthly would be a better option for you in the future since you dislike their lifetime option so much.

[lafos]

I just looked at the Costco web site, and they state you may return your merchandise for a refund, limited to 90 days in a few cases. No where did it say it was a warranty, nor did it state that a replacement unit had to be purchased to get the refund. So it looks like the return and repurchase are two separate transactions, not a lifetime warranty. The return is not limited to defective units, but is a satisfaction guarantee.

I don't see how TiVo could be expected to transfer Product Lifetime Service under the Costco satisfaction terms.

[ZeoTiVo]

Ok, you tell me who. They do not do this. The only option with Costco is returning. They do NOT do support for anything. They will direct you to TiVo, and that is where I went for the service reactivation. Costco cannot do this.

If you read my OP the problem has been fixed.

Now I'm just ranting as to why I MIGHT get charged $199.00 in the future for TiVo to enter in a service number ito my account. Again, I talking a Series 2 to a Series 2.

good - now you answered my question.
The reason then is that TiVo lifetime is on the box you put it on and that is clearly stated in the terms. So Costco is in fact not doing a deal with TiVo then TiVo has made no obligation to move your lifetime around. Costco is the one slightly misrepresenting things. Any request to move Lifetime is CLEARLY outside the terms of service you agreed to with TiVo. So TiVo has been generous to help a customer out but after 3 times they are more than done and loosing money on you. So join the rest of the world and keep your TiVo running - likely it has been hard drive problems anyway.

oh and BTW - this is just a TiVo forum for users. None of us in this thread so far work for or have any professional connection to TiVo inc. There are 3 or 4 employees of TiVo who post here unofficially but they will always identify themselves and have an avatar that denotes their employ as well.

[samo]

Any request to move Lifetime is CLEARLY outside the terms of service you agreed to with TiVo. So TiVo has been generous to help a customer out but after 3 times they are more than done and loosing money on you.
Not so fast. The firtst transfer was within 90 days warranty - so TiVo had to do it for free AND to replace the unit for free. Costco just made it more convenient for a customer.
The second unit was out of warranty, but under 3 years. The lifetime transfer would have been free had customer paid for out of warranty repair or replacement by TiVo. Deal with Costco (by any manufacturer) is that manufacturer has to abide by Costo return policy or they don't sell at Costco. So TiVo in fact replaced the original unit (Costo being intermediary for customer's convenience) and transferred lifetime that was under 3 years for free. Sure, that could play hard to get and try to extort money from the customer on a technicality. They decided to play smart instead. If customer gets pissed, they end up with yet another return, lose another subscription and Costco gets another complaint. Not worth it, so smart thinking prevailed.

[CrispyCritter]

Are you saying that TiVo is dead? All that we have to look forward to is their subscription service? This is all they are?

There are other ways for TiVo to generate new money, and by charging $199 to transfer a service from one Series 2 to another Series 2 just because a power failure took it out is just wrong! In MOST cases they would be selling a new TiVo. Not everyone buys from Costco or Sam’s.
Yes, "all" TiVo wants to be is selling service (including ads). They don't want to be in the hardware business now and have never wanted to be. They have always lost money selling hardware, and know there's no way long term for them to make money on hardware; they're just too small. Selling a new TiVo means just taking another loss for them; it's only the new sub that matters.

Your view of lifetime is simply wrong. Lifetime is philosophically just a way of bundling an original purchase with the service for that purchase. It was intended to compete with Replay, who included service in their purchase price, and now Moxi, who does likewise. For either one of those companies it is very clear that if your hardware broke out of warranty, you had nothing of value left in the way of service. So TiVo's model is better for the consumer than that. Which model do you prefer?

You are saying they shouldn't pursue their main target of revenue, service, and should start doing something else? As I said, that sounds ridiculous.

[ZeoTiVo]

Not so fast. The firtst transfer was within 90 days warranty - so TiVo had to do it for free AND to replace the unit for free. Costco just made it more convenient for a customer.
The second unit was out of warranty, but under 3 years. The lifetime transfer would have been free had customer paid for out of warranty repair or replacement by TiVo. Deal with Costco (by any manufacturer) is that manufacturer has to abide by Costo return policy or they don't sell at Costco. So TiVo in fact replaced the original unit (Costo being intermediary for customer's convenience) and transferred lifetime that was under 3 years for free. Sure, that could play hard to get and try to extort money from the customer on a technicality. They decided to play smart instead. If customer gets pissed, they end up with yet another return, lose another subscription and Costco gets another complaint. Not worth it, so smart thinking prevailed.

well I can agree that keeping a customer happy is a good thing but in all that it was Costco doing swaps and not making clear enough to their customer that they had no working relationship with TiVo on lifetime transfers.
In fact - TiVo is very specific that you need to deal with TiVo or an agent of theirs (think Best Buy extended warranty) for any warranty work. Since the OP went through Costco who had no warranty repair relationship with TiVo then the warranty terms no longer apply and CostCo nearly cost their customer a significant monetary loss on the lifetime. This is the info the OP needs to get so he can avoid such hassles in the future and choose how to deal with TiVo and costco with all the facts in place.

[Resist]

Costco has changed their lifetime warranty, you can thank all the abusers to this policy. Electronics are now only 90 days and computers are only 30 days.

The new policy is okay but nothing like what it used to be. This has changed my view of making Costco my first choice because many times I can find a lower price at Amazon.

[innocentfreak]

Costco has changed their lifetime warranty, you can thank all the abusers to this policy. Electronics are now only 90 days and computers are only 30 days.

The new policy is okay but nothing like what it used to be. This has changed my view of making Costco my first choice because many times I can find a lower price at Amazon.

This is their new policy. Tivo still falls under lifetime guarantee

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. The following must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund: televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones.from Costco Return policy (http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=11204333)

[Morpheus101]

I just looked at the Costco web site, and they state you may return your merchandise for a refund, limited to 90 days in a few cases. No where did it say it was a warranty, nor did it state that a replacement unit had to be purchased to get the refund. So it looks like the return and repurchase are two separate transactions, not a lifetime warranty. The return is not limited to defective units, but is a satisfaction guarantee.

I don't see how TiVo could be expected to transfer Product Lifetime Service under the Costco satisfaction terms.

Costco’s 90 day returns are only limited to a few items. One is Televisions and the other is Computers.

TiVo should NOT be doing business with Costco. Costco’s Warrant(Y) is an extension of the TiVo sale and TiVo is very well aware of this. I don’t think TiVo went into this deal with Costco with their eyes closed. I had to tell them on my first two activations that I had purchased it from Costo and replaced it under their extended return policy. All was good. If the TiVo has a Limited Lifetime Warranty then it should be plain for consumers to see and understand. If TiVo requires the device to be sent back to them, then they need to make the consumer very well aware of this. Not everyone goes to these forums, or reads the very fine print. I really don’t think Costco would refund the lifetime subscription seeing the transaction was not through them. I’m assuming that’s exactly why TiVo is not selling the lifetime cards through Costco.

The whole point of this is to see what others are thinking about this policy. It’s very clear at this point that most believe it’s a fair practice for TiVo to charge $199 for 5 minutes of work to transfer a service number. I understand that TiVo needs to generate revenue. I have no idea how much of this revenue is generated by this practice. I’m assuming they are bypassing this fee to a lot, like they did for me. However they have put me on notice that this policy is going to be enforced with the next failure of my TiVo, which will happen, some sooner than others.

Why doesn’t TiVo just come out and assign an EOL to each activated lifetime account. This way they can open up the availability for us to remove and add a replacement TiVo as needed. At the end of the EOL there is no option of adding another service number.

[Morpheus101]

Yes, "all" TiVo wants to be is selling service (including ads). They don't want to be in the hardware business now and have never wanted to be. They have always lost money selling hardware, and know there's no way long term for them to make money on hardware; they're just too small. Selling a new TiVo means just taking another loss for them; it's only the new sub that matters.

Your view of lifetime is simply wrong. Lifetime is philosophically just a way of bundling an original purchase with the service for that purchase. It was intended to compete with Replay, who included service in their purchase price, and now Moxi, who does likewise. For either one of those companies it is very clear that if your hardware broke out of warranty, you had nothing of value left in the way of service. So TiVo's model is better for the consumer than that. Which model do you prefer?

You are saying they shouldn't pursue their main target of revenue, service, and should start doing something else? As I said, that sounds ridiculous.

Their revenue in this situation is based on a premature hardware failure. These systems should not be failing for at least 5 years. I build a new personal system every 5 years, and this seems to work very well. For my $400 subscription, shouldn’t I expect to get at least 5 years of service, and unlimited TiVo activations as needed during that time?

Come on, hardware is getting so cheap anymore; their profit margin has to be growing. I don’t see the TiVo’s getting any cheaper. Hard drives; you can get TB for $100, good ones for $130.

All this is like beating your head against the wall. What I’m stating is reasonable, at least to me.

[lessd]

Costco’s 90 day returns are only limited to a few items. One is Televisions and the other is Computers.

TiVo should NOT be doing business with Costco. Costco’s Warrant(Y) is an extension of the TiVo sale and TiVo is very well aware of this. I don’t think TiVo went into this deal with Costco with their eyes closed. I had to tell them on my first two activations that I had purchased it from Costo and replaced it under their extended return policy. All was good. If the TiVo has a Limited Lifetime Warranty then it should be plain for consumers to see and understand. If TiVo requires the device to be sent back to them, then they need to make the consumer very well aware of this. Not everyone goes to these forums, or reads the very fine print. I really don’t think Costco would refund the lifetime subscription seeing the transaction was not through them. I’m assuming that’s exactly why TiVo is not selling the lifetime cards through Costco.

The whole point of this is to see what others are thinking about this policy. It’s very clear at this point that most believe it’s a fair practice for TiVo to charge $199 for 5 minutes of work to transfer a service number. I understand that TiVo needs to generate revenue. I have no idea how much of this revenue is generated by this practice. I’m assuming they are bypassing this fee to a lot, like they did for me. However they have put me on notice that this policy is going to be enforced with the next failure of my TiVo, which will happen, some sooner than others.

Why doesn’t TiVo just come out and assign an EOL to each activated lifetime account. This way they can open up the availability for us to remove and add a replacement TiVo as needed. At the end of the EOL there is no option of adding another service number.

I think TiVo is clear, Lifetime Service goes with the TiVo it was put on, they do say if the TiVo is replaces under a extended (or the normal 1 year TiVo) warranty the Lifetime Service will be moved, TiVo itself will move the Lifetime Service for free if you get a $149 replacement from TiVo and your Lifetime Service is under 3 years old. This policy is not because it cost TiVo any real money to xfer the Lifetime Service, it's in place so the Lifetime Service will end on any given TiVo sometime in the future, if TiVo business plan was to have Lifetime Service last forever it would be in a person name with inheritance rights, you could put TiVo Lifetime Service in your will. It does cost TiVo real money to provide guide service for all active TiVos.

[ZeoTiVo]

For my $400 subscription, shouldn’t I expect to get at least 5 years of service, yes
and unlimited TiVo activations as needed during that time? No - and that is in the TOS for lifetime so why you expect something not in the TOS is beyond the rest of us.
All this is like beating your head against the wall. What I’m stating is reasonable, at least to me.
Posters replying to you feel like we are beating our head against the wall as well. We keep trying to tell you - This is not a TiVo policy nor is TiVo involved in the Costco return in any way. Costco is the company allowing the return of the hardware for a full refund. Likely Costco is taking the hit on the return after 1 year. Good for Costco but it has ramifiacations for those with lifetime since lifetime is clearly spelled out by TiVo now as being for the specific hardware and the life of that hardware. Lifetime is NOT a warranty in any form. Costco refund is not a warranty in any form. If you want to transfer a lifetime due to a dead box then TiVo policy is that you deal with TiVo for the warranty repair. BTW the Eol on a lifetime transfer is 3 years. If you deal with TiVo on a broken box then for the first 3 years of a lifetime they will transfer it with no transfer fee. There is a fee for the hardware after the TiVo warranty time frame ends.

What TiVo has done for you so far was out of a desire for good customer relations with you and for keeping good relations with Costco who has a really good return policy. It is not because TiVo agreed to be obligated in any way for costco returns.

[daveak]

New box for free under extended warranty from Costco - required.

Free transfer of lifetime for new unit - not required.

Length of lifetime service plan - until the box it is on dies.

Cost to transfer lifetime to new box - $199.

Maybe it would remove confusion if TiVo called it a non-transferable unit lifetime subsrciption?

[Morpheus101]

I think TiVo is clear, Lifetime Service goes with the TiVo it was put on, they do say if the TiVo is replaces under a extended (or the normal 1 year TiVo) warranty the Lifetime Service will be moved, TiVo itself will move the Lifetime Service for free if you get a $149 replacement from TiVo and your Lifetime Service is under 3 years old. This policy is not because it cost TiVo any real money to xfer the Lifetime Service, it's in place so the Lifetime Service will end on any given TiVo sometime in the future, if TiVo business plan was to have Lifetime Service last forever it would be in a person name with inheritance rights, you could put TiVo Lifetime Service in your will. It does cost TiVo real money to provide guide service for all active TiVos.

The whole point of making the investment of lifetime is to get a better deal than paying month to month. This also helps TiVo. Why should I have to pay $149 for a replacement when I can get it for Free? It seems that the solution is not to allow Costco members to have lifetime subscriptions. This would solve everything and would end any activation problems, seeing it would be on a month to month.

Why doesn’t TiVo come out and tell us that the expected EOL of a TiVo is 3 years. If their TiVo dies after 12 months it will cost $199 to reactivate a new TiVo, or $149 if they buy a refurbished replacement from TiVo. Remember: If your TiVo dies at 3 years and 1 day you will need to buy a new TiVo and a new lifetime ($700 to $800). Lifetime just doesn’t sound very appealing. With the way electronics are built nowadays, the EOL is shrinking on everything.

[Morpheus101]

New box for free under extended warranty from Costco - required.

Free transfer of lifetime for new unit - not required.

Length of lifetime service plan - until the box it is on dies.

Cost to transfer lifetime to new box - $199.

Maybe it would remove confusion if TiVo called it a non-transferable unit lifetime subsrciption?

It’s just unreasonable to put a death sentence on a subscription service based on a piece of hardware failing. I bought two TiVo’s and two lifetimes and had no idea I could be out $1,400.00 in 3 years. Hopefully they keep chugging along. I’ve lost three TiVo’s in as many years. Maybe that’s why Costco is getting them?

[moonscape]

The whole point of this is to see what others are thinking about this policy. It’s very clear at this point that most believe it’s a fair practice for TiVo to charge $199 for 5 minutes of work to transfer a service number.

Although that's not what anyone said, it's certainly an annoyingly sarcastic spin on the way you see things.

I'm quite certain everyone - Tivo, Costco, you, members of this forum, maybe even your family and friends - wishes you had gone month-to-month at this point.

[lessd]

The whole point of making the investment of lifetime is to get a better deal than paying month to month. This also helps TiVo. Why should I have to pay $149 for a replacement when I can get it for Free? It seems that the solution is not to allow Costco members to have lifetime subscriptions. This would solve everything and would end any activation problems, seeing it would be on a month to month.

Why doesn’t TiVo come out and tell us that the expected EOL of a TiVo is 3 years. If their TiVo dies after 12 months it will cost $199 to reactivate a new TiVo, or $149 if they buy a refurbished replacement from TiVo. Remember: If your TiVo dies at 3 years and 1 day you will need to buy a new TiVo and a new lifetime ($700 to $800). Lifetime just doesn’t sound very appealing. With the way electronics are built nowadays, the EOL is shrinking on everything.

I think it was posted before that the Lifetime Service is a gamble but not a big gamble for most TiVo users, an extended warranty is also a gamble if you never have to use it, as you then have a loss, if your Lifetime TiVo gos up in smoke you have a loss. Most of us have had our TiVos running 4 to 6 years and more so the Lifetime Service payed off big time. You also get a much better resale price with Lifetime Service, for most its a great deal. I would never have purchase 5 TiVos if Lifetime was not an option.

[magnus]

The OP is clueless. It's time to stop feeding the troll.

[heySkippy]

Just another in a long line of whiners who wants something for nothing.


Yup.

[slowbiscuit]

Their revenue in this situation is based on a premature hardware failure. These systems should not be failing for at least 5 years. I build a new personal system every 5 years, and this seems to work very well. For my $400 subscription, shouldn’t I expect to get at least 5 years of service, and unlimited TiVo activations as needed during that time?

Let me get this straight - you build a new PC every 5 years, but you can't replace a failed hard drive or power supply in a Tivo? You wouldn't have any problems getting 5 years out of a Tivo if you can handle that. :rolleyes:

[ZeoTiVo]

Maybe that’s why Costco is getting them?

yeah. You have now graduated to a full tinfoil hat. You should become aware of a nifty feature on this forum called "ignore thread".

[Morpheus101]

The OP is clueless. It's time to stop feeding the troll.

Believe me, I've had my belly full of this from the beginning. Becuse most of the responses come TiVo fanicics, that apparently work for TiVo of have stock in the company.

Now you revert to name calling. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.

In the end of all this; all you can come up with is 'becuse they need to generate revenue, somehow'. It's a real shame that some companies have to feed off this type of revenue generating scheme.

Thank you all for informing this troll how the TiVo system actually works. Had I know this I would have gone with a Month to Month? Hopefully this thread will help others get better informed.

[Morpheus101]

Let me get this straight - you build a new PC every 5 years, but you can't replace a failed hard drive or power supply in a Tivo? You wouldn't have any problems getting 5 years out of a Tivo if you can handle that. :rolleyes:

Let me get this straight; you buy a new car with a Warranty and do your own work on it? That's just ....

[CrispyCritter]

Morpheus, you're getting dumped on because you are showing no signs of even wanting to understand our arguments; just repeating your wish that TiVo give folks something for nothing.

I repeat my question to you. If TiVo had done what their competitors did (Replay and now Moxi), and bundled in the lifetime service to the original purchase price (you would pay list of $698 for an HD TiVo now), then don't you agree that once the TiVo is out of warranty and breaks, that TiVo would owe you nothing?

Then don't you agree that what TiVo does currently is better than that, and that you are upset with TiVo simply because they offer a better deal to the consumer?

If you disagree, then respond to our arguments instead of just repeating that you want something more.

[rainwater]

Let me get this straight; you buy a new car with a Warranty and do your own work on it? That's just ....

When it is out of warranty that is what I do.

[alansh]

I wouldn't presume that Costco has any special agreement with TiVo to take back old hardware. I don't know about Costco in particular, but most companies that take returns that are more than 30-90 days old sell the merchandise off to a salvage company which handles the disposal. The merchandise doesn't go back to the vendor. Costco is eating it -- that's why they've cracked down on some products (TVs, computers) that were being "returned" to get a free upgrade.

The fact is that the service is tied to a particular box. I'm glad TiVo doesn't offer unlimited transfers because they'd have to charge much more for it.

[classicsat]

I have to say this; Product Lifetime isn't a warranty. It is a service plan.

I service many of the things I buy new, usually voiding the warranty in the process; but the device still works.

I even have done PSU and other repairs to my TiVos, Product Lifetime not affected. There is nothing really to be afraid about.

[ZeoTiVo]

Let me get this straight; you buy a new car with a Warranty and do your own work on it? That's just ....

exactly what you did (Quote from a different thread)
I just don't see how anyone can justify buying one of these when you can by a new DT HD and add a gig drive.

New DT HD - Shop Costco: (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11231896&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1) 279.99
1 Gig Drive - Shop Newegg: (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136151&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL112808&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL112808-_-HardDrives-_-L1A-_-22136151) 99.99

Total Cost to Door: $379 .98

It takes about 30 minutes to add the new drive, maybe an hour if you have never done one.

Note: The DT HD XL drives are Western Digital Green drives. Most likely the exact same ones found at Newegg for $100.

Note: Looking on the web you will most likely find the TiVo at a better price (not much).

so you figured you could shop Costco to do an end run around voiding the TiVo warranty - and then got caught in the bind that what Costco offers is NOT a warranty repair but a simple we will take the product back and refund your money PAID TO COSTCO.

Likely your problems are hard drive related and simply doing another Hard Drive install would fix your problems and no need for a cable card pairing again even. pretty ironic.

[daveak]

Let me get this straight; you buy a new car with a Warranty and do your own work on it? That's just ....

Let me get this straight, you buy a new item with a great warranty and in a different transaction you also purchase a lifetime subscription for the software features on THAT item. The item fails and you get a brand new one under warranty and you expect to be able to transfer the subscription? And even for free? Great deal if you can get it.

If anyone owes you anything it is Costco, it is their warranty - NOT TiVo's - that replaced your box. It is not TiVo's warranty that protected you from a failure, therefore it is not their problem. If Costco replaced your box then make them replace your lifetime service as well - or at least reimburse you for your added costs.

Their warranty policy has cost you at least $199 so far, you should go after them for the money.

[Morpheus101]

When it is out of warranty that is what I do.
It is not out of Warranty. I have an EXTENDED warranty through Costco. There is no differance then getting the extended Warranty from Best Buy, which they will sell you when you buy a TiVo from them. The only thing different is that Best Buy will charge you extra for the extension.

Basically what everyone here is posting is; an extended warranty being redeemed past 12 months will effect the TiVo subscription.

1) Up to 12 months you can change service numbers at no charge

2) 12-36 months a service number change will be:
A) Activate a new TiVo = $199
B) Activate a referbished TiVo bought through TiVo = $159

3) 36 months on = replace your TiVo and start a new Lifetime.

This is all relivent only if your TiVo dies within the above parameters.

I've been told by someone that matters, that there is a way to do this. However When Costco runs out of these then we will need to follow the normal TiVo Warranty path.

These lifetime Warrantys are a crap shoot. The consumer is betting on the box lasting longer then the cost of the lifetime subscription and TiVo is betting they don't. Let's see TiVo is building the boxes and TiVo is selling the Lifetime subscriptions.

I've always been told to never get my eyes checked where I would be buying my glasses. The playing field would always be tilted towards the guy checking my eyes. Get your eyes checked from one person and get your glasses from another becuse this levels the playing field.

BTW: Costo has great prices on eye wear!

[Morpheus101]

exactly what you did (Quote from a different thread)


so you figured you could shop Costco to do an end run around voiding the TiVo warranty - and then got caught in the bind that what Costco offers is NOT a warranty repair but a simple we will take the product back and refund your money PAID TO COSTCO.

Likely your problems are hard drive related and simply doing another Hard Drive install would fix your problems and no need for a cable card pairing again even. pretty ironic.

It's possible that a simple hard drive replacement might have fixed it. However, isn't there one thing that should have done prior to the hard drive replacement?

[rainwater]

It is not out of Warranty. I have an EXTENDED warranty through Costco.

Then it is up to Costco to re-imburse you. That is how an extended warranty works. Why would TiVo be responsible for an extended warranty from another company? From what I can tell, all you did was take advantage of their return policy.

[ZeoTiVo]

It is not out of Warranty. I have an EXTENDED warranty through Costco. There is no differance then getting the extended Warranty from Best Buy, which they will sell you when you buy a TiVo from them. The only thing different is that Best Buy will charge you extra for the extension. yes there is a difference - best Buy sold an actual extended warranty and if you got the TiVo DVR "fixed" by Best Buy the lifetime was transferred to the new hardware by Best Buy during the "repair". Costco has made no such warranty contract with TiVo inc. All Costco is offering you is a refund on your purchase and you can then buy another one. The subscription transfer is strictly left to you the customer to deal with.


Basically what everyone here is posting is; an extended warranty being redeemed past 12 months will effect the TiVo subscription.

1) Up to 12 months you can change service numbers at no charge

2) 12-36 months a service number change will be:
A) Activate a new TiVo = $199
B) Activate a referbished TiVo bought through TiVo = $159

3) 36 months on = replace your TiVo and start a new Lifetime.

This is all relivent only if your TiVo dies within the above parameters. the above is wrong.
for the first 30 days - everything will be refunded

for any repair done by TiVo - if the lifetime is less than 3 years old - it is transferred at no cost. For any lifetime older than 3 years there is a transfer fee of 199$. It is that simple
I've been told by someone that matters, that there is a way to do this. However When Costco runs out of these then we will need to follow the normal TiVo Warranty path. with everything else you have gotten wrong, trying to cite an unknown source is kinds dubious.


These lifetime Warrantys are a crap shoot. The consumer is betting on the box lasting longer then the cost of the lifetime subscription and TiVo is betting they don't.
Majority of TiVo DVRs last 5 or more years easy. Of the ones that fail before that the vast majority have a hard drive failure (I am willing to bet 90% or more) that is easily fixed with a new hard drive and no hassles about the lifetime sub since it is the same hardware otherwise. the only hassle is TiVo will not repair by swapping just the drive and Costco does NOT DO TIVO WARRANTY REPAIRS

[caddyroger]

It is not out of Warranty. I have an EXTENDED warranty through Costco. There is no differance then getting the extended Warranty from Best Buy, which they will sell you when you buy a TiVo from them. The only thing different is that Best Buy will charge you extra for the extension.

Basically what everyone here is posting is; an extended warranty being redeemed past 12 months will effect the TiVo subscription.

1) Up to 12 months you can change service numbers at no charge

2) 12-36 months a service number change will be:
A) Activate a new TiVo = $199
B) Activate a referbished TiVo bought through TiVo = $159

3) 36 months on = replace your TiVo and start a new Lifetime.

This is all relivent only if your TiVo dies within the above parameters.

I've been told by someone that matters, that there is a way to do this. However When Costco runs out of these then we will need to follow the normal TiVo Warranty path.

These lifetime Warrantys are a crap shoot. The consumer is betting on the box lasting longer then the cost of the lifetime subscription and TiVo is betting they don't. Let's see TiVo is building the boxes and TiVo is selling the Lifetime subscriptions.

I've always been told to never get my eyes checked where I would be buying my glasses. The playing field would always be tilted towards the guy checking my eyes. Get your eyes checked from one person and get your glasses from another becuse this levels the playing field.

BTW: Costo has great prices on eye wear!

Once again you are citing Costco extended warranty. TiVo has nothing to do with Costco period. The warranty is not with Tivo. Costco would have pay TiVo the $399.00 so you could get your life time back. How may time do you have to be told this. Next time replace the hard drive or power supply.
I have lifetime on my s3 and the hard drive drive started to give me problems. I replaced it with a $99.00 WD 1 tb drive and all is ok now

[steve614]

Let me get this straight; you buy a new car with a Warranty and do your own work on it? That's just ....

Yes, because the warranty doesn't cover routine maintenance.

And yes, I would consider replacing a TiVo hard drive or power supply as routine maintenance.

[Morpheus101]

Once again you are citing Costco extended warranty. TiVo has nothing to do with Costco period. The warranty is not with Tivo. Costco would have pay TiVo the $399.00 so you could get your life time back. How may time do you have to be told this. Next time replace the hard drive or power supply.
I have lifetime on my s3 and the hard drive drive started to give me problems. I replaced it with a $99.00 WD 1 tb drive and all is ok now

First of all you need viable backup to replace a hard drive. What just stick another hard drive in, and what does this give you. Sounds like a door stopper to me.

Costco and TiVo are in bed together. You cannot separate the two unless there is a disconnect, which there is not. What do you think that Costco goes out on the open market and buys TiVo's to sell. TiVo sells them directly to Costco, and you can bet there is an agreement between them both specifying all the terms.

The problem is that Costco has an outlet for product suppliers to limit their liability when they sell their products through Costco. Some fall under a 30 day money back policy. TiVo has not aligned itself with this policy at Costco. Why, I have no idea. This leaves the customer under a false pretence that they can simply replace their defective TiVo with no adverse consequences, when in fact they can’t. This only applies to lifetime subscribers. I’m guessing this is going to be almost a non-existent problem. However it does leave a big hole between the Costco and the TiVo warranty that needs to be closed.

The solution would for TiVo to not distribute any TiVo’s to any distributors unless they adhere to a strict 30 day ONLY money back guarantee. This is aligned with TiVo’s policies.

[rainwater]

Costco and TiVo are in bed together.

TiVo does not have anything to do with Costco returns or Costco's extended warranty. If you indeed have an extended warranty through Costco, then I think you need to read it. In no way does TiVo have to honor a Costco extended warranty. That is the whole point of an extended warranty. Costco is the company providing it, so it is up to them to pay for anything explicitly covered under the warranty.

[Morpheus101]

Yes, because the warranty doesn't cover routine maintenance.

And yes, I would consider replacing a TiVo hard drive or power supply as routine maintenance.

Come on, you buy a new Dell (just an example) and it was setup with a 4 year warranty. The hard drive takes a dump 3 years into the contract. What you are saying is that you would run out and buy a new hard drive and not use your warranty, right....

Dell loves you...

[Morpheus101]

TiVo does not have anything to do with Costco returns or Costco's extended warranty. If you indeed have an extended warranty through Costco, then I think you need to read it. In no way does TiVo have to honor a Costco extended warranty. That is the whole point of an extended warranty. Costco is the company providing it, so it is up to them to pay for anything explicitly covered under the warranty.

What is wrong with you? Do you really think that Costco is eating TiVo returns. Of course they are returned to TiVo....

[ZeoTiVo]

Costco and TiVo are in bed together. You cannot separate the two unless there is a disconnect, which

is with you. You keep claiming some alliance but then later go on to say there is none and thus Lifetime on a TiVo gets lost in the Costco refund policy. The only reason I did not actually ignore this thread was to see what further hilarity you come up with.

oh and could you steer me to that Dell Pc that has a complete 4 year warranty...

[heySkippy]

I think we know which color pill Morpheus took.

[Morpheus101]

yes there is a difference - best Buy sold an actual extended warranty and if you got the TiVo DVR "fixed" by Best Buy the lifetime was transferred to the new hardware by Best Buy during the "repair". Costco has made no such warranty contract with TiVo inc. All Costco is offering you is a refund on your purchase and you can then buy another one. The subscription transfer is strictly left to you the customer to deal with.

the above is wrong.
for the first 30 days - everything will be refunded

for any repair done by TiVo - if the lifetime is less than 3 years old - it is transferred at no cost. For any lifetime older than 3 years there is a transfer fee of 199$. It is that simple
with everything else you have gotten wrong, trying to cite an unknown source is kinds dubious.


Majority of TiVo DVRs last 5 or more years easy. Of the ones that fail before that the vast majority have a hard drive failure (I am willing to bet 90% or more) that is easily fixed with a new hard drive and no hassles about the lifetime sub since it is the same hardware otherwise. the only hassle is TiVo will not repair by swapping just the drive and Costco does NOT DO TIVO WARRANTY REPAIRS

Costco does NOT DO TIVO WARRANTY REPAIRS

Exactly, and if you think TiVo jumped into bed with Costco without knowing this then I have a ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.

for the first 30 days - everything will be refunded

This has nothing to do with what I posted, who cares. Why would anyone want to return their TiVo? I would never return my TiVo for a refund dropping service. I love my TiVo. Right now I’m hugging my TiVo, and later tonight, well, I think it will be a threesome, the wife, TiVo, me, and some fine wine… I guess it might be a foursome :)

[caddyroger]

Come on, you buy a new Dell (just an example) and it was setup with a 4 year warranty. The hard drive takes a dump 3 years into the contract. What you are saying is that you would run out and buy a new hard drive and not use your warranty, right....

Dell loves you...

Using what you said if I bought a Dell at abc store that had a 10 year warranty. If the hard drive goes out who replace it. Dell don't because they only have a 5 year warranty. It would be the abc store to fix it.
Costco and TiVo are not in bed that's just your thinking. Costco after 1 year probably just set them in the trash. After 1 year the warranty is gone.

[ZeoTiVo]

Exactly, and if you think TiVo jumped into bed with Costco without knowing this then I have a ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
eh, you have become a lazy troll who now just contradicts yourself.

[caddyroger]

Exactly, and if you think TiVo jumped into bed with Costco without knowing this then I have a ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.



This has nothing to do with what I posted, who cares. Why would anyone want to return their TiVo? I would never return my TiVo for a refund dropping service. I love my TiVo. Right now I’m hugging my TiVo, and later tonight, well, I think it will be a threesome, the wife, TiVo, me, and some fine wine… I guess it might be a foursome :)

Don't get the TiVo drunk :D

[Morpheus101]

is with you. You keep claiming some alliance but then later go on to say there is none and thus Lifetime on a TiVo gets lost in the Costco refund policy. The only reason I did not actually ignore this thread was to see what further hilarity you come up with.

oh and could you steer me to that Dell Pc that has a complete 4 year warranty...

If you guarantee me that you will buy it I will be happy to get you a quote. There will be a $200 up front cost. You really don't have to buy but the $200 is non-refundable, or applied to the purchase. Do you 4 year standard or extended?

That's what I thought....

[aaronwt]

Come on, you buy a new Dell (just an example) and it was setup with a 4 year warranty. The hard drive takes a dump 3 years into the contract. What you are saying is that you would run out and buy a new hard drive and not use your warranty, right....

Dell loves you...

I would replace it myself since it would be much faster than waiting for Dell.

[Morpheus101]

Don't get the TiVo drunk :D

I believe my TiVo is having an affair with my wife, I'm finding the soaps taking over. :( I think I'm actually jealous... Where's the kitchen knife...

[Morpheus101]

I would replace it myself since it would be much faster than waiting for Dell.

Must be nice to be wealthy...

[Morpheus101]

eh, you have become a lazy troll who now just contradicts yourself.

And you have officially become obnoxious... My thoughts have never changed, unless you think that is a contradiction…

[samo]

Most of you are too hard on OP. There is a fine line between extended warranty that you purchase from BB and return policy that you get from Costco for free. Both guaranty you hardware replacement after manufacturer's warranty expires. Tivo will transfer lifetime for free on unit that is 3 years old or less if it was covered by the extended warranty. There is nothing in TiVo policy that specifies that you have to pay for the extended warranty.
The subscription remains in effect if the TiVo DVR needs to be repaired or replaced due to a malfunction (see manufacturer or retailer warranty details) or even if you upgrade your TiVo DVR to increase storage capacity (though such upgrades, if not performed by TiVo or a TiVo-authorized third party, will void the warranty on your TiVo DVR and constitute a breach of this Agreement). Because a Product Lifetime Subscription is linked to a particular TiVo DVR, you may not transfer it to any other TiVo DVR unless all the following conditions apply: (a) the TiVo DVR is being replaced pursuant to the manufacturer's or retailer's warranty; and (b) the TiVo DVR being replaced is of the same make and model as the replacement TiVo DVR; and (c) you provide us with a proof of replacement by the manufacturer or retailer.
One can claim that Costco refund policy is indeed "retailer's warranty" and this is probably the major reason that TiVo did transfer lifetime for OP for free.

[magnus]

You might as well.... since you are already trying to screw Tivo. What a horny Troll you are!!! :eek:


I love my TiVo. Right now I’m hugging my TiVo, and later tonight, well, I think it will be a threesome, the wife, TiVo, me, and some fine wine… I guess it might be a foursome :)

[Morpheus101]

Using what you said if I bought a Dell at abc store that had a 10 year warranty. If the hard drive goes out who replace it. Dell don't because they only have a 5 year warranty. It would be the abc store to fix it.
Costco and TiVo are not in bed that's just your thinking. Costco after 1 year probably just set them in the trash. After 1 year the warranty is gone.

That’s just absurd. You’re only guessing with no real facts. Costco would go broke if they had to eat all their returns. Is it possible that a company as large as Costco could actually start selling TiVo’s without the permission of TiVo?

BTW: If you bought that computer from Costo, after 30 days it’s up to you to find someone to replace it. Why, because it’s Costco’s policy.

The answer to your question is; YES, the abc is responsible and if they were still in business and I had the paperwork, and they refused to fix it I would file a small claims suite against them, and then report them to the BBB. I work hard for my money and I refuse to be ripped off. Now if you are saying they sold you a 10 year actual Dell contact when Dell only has a 5 year available then this is a criminal matter. Go to Dell and they will pursue this. Whether Dell will honor the contract, well that would be up to Dell. Sounds like fraud to me, and how did we get on this, and the point is….

BTW: Do you know where Costco keeps their trash, I’m not above dumpster diving?

[greg_burns]

I would replace it myself since it would be much faster than waiting for Dell.

Dell's warranty is actually pretty good. Service guy came to my house to work on my laptop within a day or so. They usually come to my place of work next day. Just saying, no need to drag Dell into this. :D

[magnus]

Is this a warranty or a VERY liberal return policy that the OP is taking major advantage of????


http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=11204333

Most of you are too hard on OP. There is a fine line between extended warranty that you purchase from BB and return policy that you get from Costco for free. Both guaranty you hardware replacement after manufacturer's warranty expires. Tivo will transfer lifetime for free on unit that is 3 years old or less if it was covered by the extended warranty. There is nothing in TiVo policy that specifies that you have to pay for the extended warranty.

One can claim that Costco refund policy is indeed "retailer's warranty" and this is probably the major reason that TiVo did transfer lifetime for OP for free.

[lafos]

New box for free under extended warranty from Costco - required.

The Costco return policy is NOT a warranty. Please read the return policy on the Costco site. It's a satisfaction return policy. You can return the broken TiVo and get a refund, without buying a new TiVo.

Since there is no warranty on the TiVo after one year, even from Costco, TiVo sees the replacement as a new item, not a warranty repair.

[lafos]

It is not out of Warranty. I have an EXTENDED warranty through Costco. There is no differance then getting the extended Warranty from Best Buy, which they will sell you when you buy a TiVo from them. The only thing different is that Best Buy will charge you extra for the extension.

BTW: Costo has great prices on eye wear!

The Costco policy is a return policy, not a warranty. Please read the policy.

[caddyroger]

That’s just absurd. You’re only guessing with no real facts. Costco would go broke if they had to eat all their returns. Is it possible that a company as large as Costco could actually start selling TiVo’s without the permission of TiVo?

BTW: If you bought that computer from Costo, after 30 days it’s up to you to find someone to replace it. Why, because it’s Costco’s policy.

The answer to your question is; YES, the abc is responsible and if they were still in business and I had the paperwork, and they refused to fix it I would file a small claims suite against them, and then report them to the BBB. I work hard for my money and I refuse to be ripped off. Now if you are saying they sold you a 10 year actual Dell contact when Dell only has a 5 year available then this is a criminal matter. Go to Dell and they will pursue this. Whether Dell will honor the contract, well that would be up to Dell. Sounds like fraud to me, and how did we get on this, and the point is….

BTW: Do you know where Costco keeps their trash, I’m not above dumpster diving?

About 2 years ago they was a 10 page tread on the Costco returns. I believe some one said the Costco just thrown the products away. No they won't go broke they just raise their prices to cover the loss.
Ok now instead of dell use TiVo. For abc use Costco. Costco is not giving you the TiVo with life time so they are the blame not TiVo.
Why do you think Costco changed their returns rules for. They had to eat the cost of the returns because people was retuning tv because the new tv a better feature. They had to throw away the returned products away. Would you buy a 5 year old tv at a brand new price.

[moonscape]

Is this a warranty or a VERY liberal return policy that the OP is taking major advantage of????


http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePageLeftNav.aspx?ProductNo=11204333

Exactly.

When I was a student in the early 70's I sold shoes at White's Department store in the South. Their return policy was ridiculous. Basically, you could bring anything back whenever and they'd - for goodwill - refund your money.

We had moms coming in with their kids saying the shoes didn't wear well and they wanted to return/replace them. Was the store policy so we did. It was a largish chain at the time, and that's how they chose to do buisness. Sometimes people would get shoes at discount somewhere else, and return them to us for the greater retail price.

The point is, we did not send the kids shoes back to Keds because we had a satisfaction guaranteed policy.

I think Whites had to tighten up a bit on their policy so to stop taking back silver wedding gifts from 10 years prior, but that was some years later.

Costco is so huge - they absorb the loss, but as another poster said, because of abuse they had to tighten the TV/electronics policy.

[Morpheus101]

You might as well.... since you are already trying to screw Tivo. What a horny Troll you are!!! :eek:

Ok, now we are getting somewhere. You are the ONLY one to come out with this. I bought from Costo because there are certain advantages to buying products from Costco. Screwing TiVo, that’s not what I had in mind when I bought the TiVo, and that is certainly not what I'm trying to do now. I guess you could say that the advantage of buying from Costo could eventually be screwing someone. Hey, you can’t take your TiVo back for a full refund if you are dissatisfied with the service or product at any time, but I can. This is the protection that Costo secures for its customers. Is it right, well, it’s their policy…

If the TiVo was under the 30 day policy then you wouldn’t be able to call me a cheat and a troll...

Do you feel all warm and fuzzy now…

[jep8821]

From OP's first message in thread. " I ordered a new one through Costco and returned my old one for a refund". Then to carry on about a warranty. You "ORDERED" a new unit. You "RETURNED" the old one. It has been stated several times and you still don't get it. You took ADVANTAGE of a "RETURN" policy not a "WARRANTY". I don't feel any sympothy for you. Quit your whinning. Do this, go back to COSTCO, tell them that unfortunely, Your Tivo service can't be transferred for free and it will cost a couple hundred dollars. They may be willing to work with you depending on how much money you have spent in the store. If they are unwilling to give you any money back, then take advantage of there "OTHER" garantee and return your membership for a full refund!

[magnus]

Zactly, that's Tivo's return policy and Costco's policy is insane. Again, it's a return policy that Costco has... it is not a warranty. Hence the accusation and the reality that you are trying to screw Tivo. Now, go back to wherever Trolls go.


If the TiVo was under the 30 day policy then you wouldn’t be able to call me a cheat and a troll...

[Len McRiddles]

This typically happens when one fails to RTFT&C when signing up for anything. Similar to not RTFM on any consumer purchase.

[magnus]

It's really kind of sad that the OP can't fathom the difference between a warranty and a very liberal/insane return policy.

I wonder if he even understands how to set up a season pass on his Tivo... cause this seems pretty basic to me.

[ZeoTiVo]

Most of you are too hard on OP. There is a fine line between extended warranty that you purchase from BB and return policy that you get from Costco for free. Both guaranty you hardware replacement after manufacturer's warranty expires. Tivo will transfer lifetime for free on unit that is 3 years old or less if it was covered by the extended warranty. There is nothing in TiVo policy that specifies that you have to pay for the extended warranty..

just like there is nothing that says TiVo has to transfer lifetime because Costco did a refund exchange. Come on Samo, you know that one. Are you really just going to dog pile with a troll?

[Morpheus101]

with everything else you have gotten wrong, trying to cite an unknown source is kinds dubious.

The bottom there is no reason to do a refund/exchange with Costco. It is possible to an outright exchange. After calling Costco's main office I was able to talk to one of their account reps (Gavin) and he explained that it was possible to place an order and do an in store pick, which would be handled as an exchange. It not something that is uncommon and they would be happy to do this as long as the product was still available. Hopefully it won't be necessary.

The problem I had was that I had returned my TiVo to Costco and ordered my new one. Four days later I received my TiVo and called to activate only to find out that there was going to be a $199 service charge to transfer the service number. One of my options was to have my old TiVo repaired, which at this point was in the hands of Costco being transported to who knows where. This is most likely the reason why TiVo went ahead and did the reactivation and warned me that the next time I would need an exchange receipt in order to transfer service or it would cost me $199.

Thank you all, or at least some of you for the enlightenment. I learned a lot, and I hope others have too.

[samo]

just like there is nothing that says TiVo has to transfer lifetime because Costco did a refund exchange. Come on Samo, you know that one. Are you really just going to dog pile with a troll?
Did you read the quote from TiVo policy? Here it is again

you may not transfer it to any other TiVo DVR unless all the following conditions apply: (a) the TiVo DVR is being replaced pursuant to the manufacturer's or retailer's warranty; and (b) the TiVo DVR being replaced is of the same make and model as the replacement TiVo DVR; and (c) you provide us with a proof of replacement by the manufacturer or retailer.
The only questionable condition is a) because Costco does not call it "warranty". Had consumer bought extended warranty from BB they would not repair TiVo, they would exchange for the new one and nobody would even question that TiVo has to honor the free transfer.
Granted, TiVo could pick on wording for the Costco policy and refuse the transfer. That would be stupid, just like most of the arguments about Costco policy not being a "warranty". Refund/exchange is Costco policy - do you call it "warranty" or not. Unit has been replaced under terms of retailer's policy and by the retailer. Costco is very selective on what they sell. Enough complaints and returns of non-defective products because TiVo doesn't transfer lifetime and TiVo loses shelf space in one of the bggest retailers. TiVo supervisor did the right thing - no question in my mind. And it would not surprise me if Costco policy is considered by TiVo "retailer's warranty" despite what people here are trying to prove.

[magnus]

Ok, then that still does not change the fact that the OP is what is wrong with America. That he thinks he "should" do this is just amazing.... so now the price of goods a Costco has gone up just because this a**hole cannot just replace his damn hard drive.

It just goes to show... even when you are wrong.... if you complain enough.... even a rock will begin to crumble. Awesome job OP... you have had your threesome with Tivo and really given it to them.

And yes there is really a difference between return policy and warranty.... Because policy can change at any time and a paid for warranty cannot.

Did you read the quote from Tivo policy? Here it is again


The only questionable condition is a) because Costco does not call it "warranty". Had consumer bought extended warranty from BB they would not repair TiVo, they would exchange for the new one and nobody would even question that TiVo has to honor the free transfer.
Granted, TiVo could pick on wording for the Costco policy and refuse the transfer. That would be stupid, just like most of the arguments about Costco policy not being a "warranty". Refund/exchange is Costco policy - do you call it "warranty" or not. Unit has been replaced under terms of retailer's policy and by the retailer. Costco is very selective on what they sell. Enough complaints and returns of non-defective products because TiVo doesn't transfer lifetime and TiVo loses shelf space in one of the bggest retailers. TiVo supervisor did the right thing - no question in my mind. And it would not surprise me if Costco policy is considered by TiVo "retailer's warranty" despite what people here are trying to prove.

[CrispyCritter]

you may not transfer it to any other TiVo DVR unless all the following conditions apply: (a) the TiVo DVR is being replaced pursuant to the manufacturer's or retailer's warranty; and (b) the TiVo DVR being replaced is of the same make and model as the replacement TiVo DVR; and (c) you provide us with a proof of replacement by the manufacturer or retailer.

TiVo supervisor did the right thing - no question in my mind. And it would not surprise me if Costco policy is considered by TiVo "retailer's warranty" despite what people here are trying to prove.
I actually agree with you here. It's a gray area and TiVo normally treats gray areas in the favor of the customer (at least at the level of Supervisor).

But I would note that the OP's original rant was due to his failure to comply with the provisions of this - in particular, he did not meet criteria c. Despite his claims, that was his responsibility.

[heySkippy]

Ok, then that still does not change the fact that the OP is what is wrong with America.
QFT

[aaronwt]

Ok, then that still does not change the fact that the OP is what is wrong with America. That he thinks he "should" do this is just amazing.... so now the price of goods a Costco has gone up just because this a**hole cannot just replace his damn hard drive.

It just goes to show... even when you are wrong.... if you complain enough.... even a rock will begin to crumble. Awesome job OP... you have had your threesome with Tivo and really given it to them.

And yes there is really a difference between return policy and warranty.... Because policy can change at any time and a paid for warranty cannot.

Now wait a minute. I guarantee you that the majority of people in the country either would not want to or would be incapable of replacing the hard drives thems selves.

The same thing could be said about car repairs depending on your frame of reference. There is no difference, but the results would be just the same. For me personally I stopped doing any repair work to cars 20 years ago. I would rather pay someone else to do it.

Wit the TiVo hard drive it's the same thing with people. Some might want to pay someone to do it, some don't want to do it themselves and some have no idea how to do it themselves.

i know some people who have PHDs in their field but they would have no idea how to replace the hard drive in their TiVo. It would be far easier to have the box replaced. So are they what is wrong with America too?

[slowbiscuit]

OP said he built a new system every 5 years - that involves putting in a hard drive. And Zeo found a post in another thread where he says it's a no-brainer to do so in a Tivo. Therefore, it's absurd *in this case* to say that he can't do it, because obviously he could have.

Simply speaking, what's going on here is just more abuse of Costco's generous return policy due to laziness/cheapness on the part of the OP.

[ZeoTiVo]

The bottom there is no reason to do a refund/exchange with Costco. It is possible to an outright exchange. After calling Costco's main office I was able to talk to one of their account reps (Gavin) and he explained that it was possible to place an order and do an in store pick, which would be handled as an exchange. It not something that is uncommon and they would be happy to do this as long as the product was still available. Hopefully it won't be necessary.

The problem I had was that I had returned my TiVo to Costco and ordered my new one. Four days later I received my TiVo and called to activate only to find out that there was going to be a $199 service charge to transfer the service number. One of my options was to have my old TiVo repaired, which at this point was in the hands of Costco being transported to who knows where. This is most likely the reason why TiVo went ahead and did the reactivation and warned me that the next time I would need an exchange receipt in order to transfer service or it would cost me $199.

Thank you all, or at least some of you for the enlightenment. I learned a lot, and I hope others have too.

Dude - this is exactly what many, including myself, have been telling you in this thread from the get go. In fact I was the first one to tell you to contact CostCo about the lifetime as they missed that in their refund policy and it is a big miss by costCo. I am glad you finally get this as well.

[ZeoTiVo]

Did you read the quote from TiVo policy? Here it is again


The only questionable condition is a) because Costco does not call it "warranty". Had consumer bought extended warranty from BB they would not repair TiVo, they would exchange for the new one and nobody would even question that TiVo has to honor the free transfer.
Granted, TiVo could pick on wording for the Costco policy and refuse the transfer. That would be stupid, just like most of the arguments about Costco policy not being a "warranty". Refund/exchange is Costco policy - do you call it "warranty" or not. Unit has been replaced under terms of retailer's policy and by the retailer. Costco is very selective on what they sell. Enough complaints and returns of non-defective products because TiVo doesn't transfer lifetime and TiVo loses shelf space in one of the bggest retailers. TiVo supervisor did the right thing - no question in my mind. And it would not surprise me if Costco policy is considered by TiVo "retailer's warranty" despite what people here are trying to prove.

TiVo is refusing the next transfer - they clearly told the OP that TiVo will not do it again. TiVo did the transfers they did because the OP was caught in a bind of not being able to get his DVR back and that CostCo unintentionally misled him. That was good customer service by TiVo. Just be clear here that CostCo is not doing warranty repair because if they were then they would take care of the lifetime transfer. The company that needs to change is costco to clearly indicate they are only doing a refund/exchange and anyone with lifetime needs to do an in store exchange with receipt or deal with TiVo for warranty repair. Better yet would be for Costco to work this out with TiVo and become a warranty repair agent for TiVo.

[lafos]

Granted, TiVo could pick on wording for the Costco policy and refuse the transfer. That would be stupid, just like most of the arguments about Costco policy not being a "warranty". Refund/exchange is Costco policy - do you call it "warranty" or not.

The two policies are completely different in scope and intent, so how can it be stupid to point this out? The return policy applies to any qualifying merchandise, and results in a refund of the purchase price. A warranty states that for the term, it will repair or replace defective merchandise.

The OP stated that TiVo requires exchange documentation for any future transfers. That's consistent with TiVo's written policy.

[Adam1115]

Did you read the quote from TiVo policy? Here it is again

(c) you provide us with a proof of replacement by the manufacturer or retailer.

Yes, did you read the OP?


I ask to talk to a supervisor and after 10 minutes on hold the same support person comes back on and she can’t transfer the service without me faxing them a copy of the warrantee exchange from Costco. I explained to her that what she is requesting is impossible.

[Videodrome]

The reason why people get upset over this is because "service" is a product, so lifetime service should mean 5 years, regardless of what machine its on. If after 5 years you want to transfer your not allowed. Alot of people including myself see the device as a product, and the service as another.

[magnus]

You totally missed my intent. He is what is wrong with America because he thinks it's a great idea to screw companies just because he can totally take advantage of a VERY liberal return policy. He is what is wrong with America because he does not understand that his RETURN is costing other consumers of CostCo and yet he could give a sh** less about others. To him it's all about the fact that there is this return policy that, by God, he is entitled to because he is shopper at CostCo. It's amazing that this troll does not even seem to care or have any ethics whatsoever.

I only referred to replacing their drive because they had said that they were technically able and that they had worked on several systems over the past few years.

Now wait a minute. I guarantee you that the majority of people in the country either would not want to or would be incapable of replacing the hard drives thems selves.

The same thing could be said about car repairs depending on your frame of reference. There is no difference, but the results would be just the same. For me personally I stopped doing any repair work to cars 20 years ago. I would rather pay someone else to do it.

Wit the TiVo hard drive it's the same thing with people. Some might want to pay someone to do it, some don't want to do it themselves and some have no idea how to do it themselves.

i know some people who have PHDs in their field but they would have no idea how to replace the hard drive in their TiVo. It would be far easier to have the box replaced. So are they what is wrong with America too?

[magnus]

Then you should weigh your options at time of purchase of this service. You should decide then, if you want to gamble that your box will last long enough to pay for itself.

In my opinion, if you're not going to pay for an extended warranty or you are not willing to open up your box (when the drive goes out) then you may not be happy when the lifetime service does not live up to your 5 year expectation.

The reason why people get upset over this is because "service" is a product, so lifetime service should mean 5 years, regardless of what machine its on. If after 5 years you want to transfer your not allowed. Alot of people including myself see the device as a product, and the service as another.

[ZeoTiVo]

It's amazing that this troll does not even seem to care or have any ethics whatsoever.

I gave the OP a ration of it for his rant and not wanting to see the reality of what we were telling him... but don't you think you went a bit far with someone you have no real idea what they are like and just have his posts on one single topic to go by?

[magnus]

Well, in my opinion his actions speak for itself. He is not the kind of person that I would want to do business with. So, no... I think my statements are spot on.

I gave the OP a ration of it for his rant and not wanting to see the reality of what we were telling him... but don't you think you went a bit far with someone you have no real idea what they are like and just have his posts on one single topic to go by?